The imminent departure of Jurgen Klopp from Liverpool could trigger an exodus of players from the club during the upcoming summer transfer window.
One player who could be on his way out is Colombian forward Luis Diaz, who Liverpool signed from Porto for £37 million two-and-a-half years ago. Recent reports suggest that Barcelona are interested in acquiring Diaz, and the player is reportedly eager to join the Catalan club.
If Liverpool were to sell Diaz, it could help them avoid a significant financial setback. According to Portuguese outlet O Jogo, Liverpool might have to pay an additional £9 million in clauses if Diaz remains at the club.
The initial deal with Porto included various add-ons totaling £13 million. Porto has already received £4.2 million of that amount, with Diaz meeting certain criteria such as playing 45 minutes in 25 matches and helping Liverpool secure Champions League qualification.
However, if Diaz stays at Liverpool, the club will have to pay more in the future. Additional payments are due when Diaz reaches 100 and then 125 club appearances. Currently, he has made 97 appearances for the Premier League side across all competitions.
He has scored 24 goals since joining, with a potential bonus upon reaching 30. Additionally, Porto could negotiate for higher compensation if Arne Slot secures a top-four finish in his debut season.
Diaz’s link with Barcelona has persisted since his father, Luis, declared in November that his son’s dream was to play at the Nou Camp. “It is true that Luis is a loyal Barcelona fan and it would be his dream to go there,” he told reporters.
As the 2023/24 season nears its end, speculation about a summer departure for the forward intensifies.
Despite a promising start at Anfield, his form has declined, leading to talks of a potential exit, especially with Jurgen Klopp, the manager who brought him in, set to depart after the final match against Wolves on Sunday. Selling Diaz could align with Slot’s plans for rebuilding the team.
Yet, Diaz himself has not publicly expressed a desire to leave. Instead, he acknowledges the club for fostering his growth on and off the pitch. He has openly appreciated the support received during his father’s kidnapping and subsequent release last year.
“Coming to this great club that is Liverpool, leaves you with a lot of learnings,” he told reporters this month.
“You learn more and more to be a professional, to be a better person, to be a good teammate and a good guy. The truth is that I am very happy to be here. Great years are coming for the club, I have no doubt about that.”
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